"I've played in a World Cup final, a Heineken Cup final, but I found it easier playing in a World Cup final than being on Strictly."

Paying tribute to Rihanoff, he said: "She's been thrown against a wall, elbowed, stood on, punched - but not on purpose - to make me look like I can dance to a song."

Rihanoff replied: "If there was a trophy for the most improved person it would go to you. You started at zero and have improved every week and you make me so proud every week and I've had the best, most rewarding time on Strictly. I took someone with no experience and I brought you here and you were amazing."